Quick Question

[jojmr27]

Hey,
I don't know if anybody feels this way, but I'm not a huge fan of the rear taillights on my 04 expy... I know a bunch of y'all have done the conversion to the 3rd gen taillights... Couple questions,
Was a direct fit from the factory?
If not what sort of mods had to be done?
Lastly does it actually fit nicely and not jut out with the sharp edges?

Thanks!

 

[Lostneye]

I haven't done it but I believe the tail/brake light fits and the reverse light is a different socket size so you will need the 3rd gen style sockets/bulbs spliced into the harness.

They are pretty easy to change, two bolts you will see with the tailgate up and two ball/socket type clips which should pop out if you pull the housing straight back away from the truck.

Personally I like the look of the 3rd gen lights better for stock lights and they don't look out of place to me on 2nd gens. You might want to also look into LED tails either 2nd or 3rd gen.

 

[jojmr27]

Thanks

Awesome man,
I have the led bulbs in my headlights so I think I'm going to exchange the housings and eventually switch to led rear and reverse bulbs eventually...
Thanks!

 

[GAINMOB]

I haven't done it but I believe the tail/brake light fits and the reverse light is a different socket size so you will need the 3rd gen style sockets/bulbs spliced into the harness.

They are pretty easy to change, two bolts you will see with the tailgate up and two ball/socket type clips which should pop out if you pull the housing straight back away from the truck.

Personally I like the look of the 3rd gen lights better for stock lights and they don't look out of place to me on 2nd gens. You might want to also look into LED tails either 2nd or 3rd gen.

the 3rd gen lights are a direct fit...the prob u will face is with the sockets for the bulbs...1...the 3rd gen reverse socket is in the middle of the light instead of the bottom on the 3rd gen...2nd...the sockets to input the bulbs are smaller...WAAAAY smaller...so u will need a dremel to trim the socket to get the bulbs in...its more so the input socket than the bulb that wont fit as is...modification is a must...maybe 2 ppl have done it on the forum with the 1st done bout 4 yrs ago...the 1st person that did it put up pics to illustrate what I'm saying about the socket size needing trimming...

Awesome man,
I have the led bulbs in my headlights so I think I'm going to exchange the housings and eventually switch to led rear and reverse bulbs eventually...
Thanks!

when u do...get a LED flasher unit due to the hyperflash u will get from having all the LEDs...I have LED tails...LED switchback turn signals (amber/white) and LEDs in my mirrors...instantly received hyperflash and replaced the flasher relay in the dash by the steering wheel and everything is normal...u can get the LED flasher relay from www.superbrightleds.com and they helped my via website chat to get the right one...I think I paid $15 and that was about 4yrs ago...no problems since

 

[Lostneye]

the 3rd gen lights are a direct fit...the prob u will face is with the sockets for the bulbs...1...the 3rd gen reverse socket is in the middle of the light instead of the bottom on the 3rd gen...2nd...the sockets to input the bulbs are smaller...WAAAAY smaller...so u will need a dremel to trim the socket to get the bulbs in...its more so the input socket than the bulb that wont fit as is...modification is a must...maybe 2 ppl have done it on the forum with the 1st done bout 4 yrs ago...the 1st person that did it put up pics to illustrate what I'm saying about the socket size needing trimming...



when u do...get a LED flasher unit due to the hyperflash u will get from having all the LEDs...I have LED tails...LED switchback turn signals (amber/white) and LEDs in my mirrors...instantly received hyperflash and replaced the flasher relay in the dash by the steering wheel and everything is normal...u can get the LED flasher relay from www.superbrightleds.com and they helped my via website chat to get the right one...I think I paid $15 and that was about 4yrs ago...no problems since

Good points. I don't have a dremmel so if you can find the socket cheap and are okay splicing you can go that route if you have a dremmel that seems like an easy solution.

And yes I got a flasher at the local parts store. I've bought a bunch of LEDs from superbrightleds.com and would recommend them too. Just make sure you get an electronic flasher not the standard kind.

 

[jojmr27]

Thanks guys

Hey, so I did go ahead and get the taillights, two differences, of course the bulb sizes that y'all pointed out but also the fact that they stick out a little bit. Went to autozone and learned that the bulb sockets plug into the same harness, so 14 dollars later, I have the correct parts to click into place. Overall, the process so far has been painless, lets hope these sockets actually work properly.

 

[GAINMOB]

they stick out due to the 3rd gen design...more pronounce cornering with the angles and edges than 2nd gen...the term they used is "less European design...more bold American design"

 

[creef14]

Put up pics when your done. I'd love to see how it turned out.

 

[GAINMOB]

Look at user "expediton" I believe that's the name...he did it 1st in 2010 with a write up and pics

Mr. 10K